James Makes Tennessee Dance Team History as First Male Athlete

Freshman and Knoxville native Jordan James became the first male athlete to join the University of Tennessee's dance team roster. His ties to UT run deep, as his dad, Andre James, was a linebacker on the 1998 football team when the Big Orange won the national championship.

James started his dancing career in the seventh grade and fell in love with the art form. He began attending UTDT clinics in his junior year of high school. He was not expecting to be recruited to Tennessee and remembers screaming and celebrating when he got the call he made the team with his mom.

"It's an honor," James said. "They have never had a boy, so I don't know if they were ever thinking about going co-ed, but I just thought, let's give it a shot. Ever since I have made it, I have just been so grateful; it's just been an honor ever since."

Spirit Program Director and Dance Coach Kelley Tafazzoli reflected on the past clinics, noting that there used to be just a few boys sprinkled throughout them. Now, after having James on the team, there has been more significant interest from male dancers in the UTDT clinics, with seven male athletes attending the Summer 2024 Tennessee Dance Intensive. Tafazzoli credits this increased interest in having Jordan on the team as he is a role model for them.

"Jordan is showing other boys that there is a place for them in the collegiate dance world and the dance space in general," Tafazzoli said. "It just takes one person to carry the torch and pave the way, and Jordan is the one brave enough to do so."

His relationship with his dad is a reason James is here at Tennessee. Since coming to UT, James has had new topics to bond with his dad over as they can now discuss their shared experience of training as athletes at the same university. His dad has been a guide to James as he made the transition to being a collegiate athlete. His dad gives him the honest advice he needs but doesn't always want to hear.

James is thankful for his shared experience and his dad's support, but he could not be where he is today without his mom by his side. His mom was always the one to calm James down, bring him back to earth and give him a pep talk before he walked on stage to compete. She was his travel buddy when it came to dance studio competitions and showed up to almost every performance he had.

The future is bright for James at Tennessee. The Neyland Stadium lights shine on him every Saturday during football season, and eyes from fans are drawn to him due to his style, technique and enchanting performance ability. He can't wait to see the lights hit his face on the national stage come January at the Walt Disney World Resort.

"I think it will pave the way for other dancers by showing them anything is possible," James said. "Just keep working hard and believing in yourself even if others don't believe in you. You have to push yourself and strive for what you want."

University of Tennessee Athletics

James Makes Tennessee Dance Team History as First Male Athlete

Players Mentioned

Jordan James

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